Tag: Immigration

Community, South DakotaLeave a comment

For increasing number of immigrants, a ‘new life in America’ starts in South Dakota

Gary Dickson

South Dakota’s foreign-born population grew by 45.5% between 2010 and 2022, exceeding the national average by three times. With nearly 32,000 foreign-born residents, mostly from Asia and Africa, the state has the fifth-lowest share of foreign-born residents in the US. Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo account for the most resettlements in South Dakota. Continue reading For increasing number of immigrants, a ‘new life in America’ starts in South Dakota

Commentary, Government, Politics8 Comments

Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.

Gary Dickson

My folks floated over the pond with the cattle down below in steerage. One was an indentured servant, another a prison guard, others were among an army of Irish who helped drive the Native people off the Mississippi River near Dubuque to claim the lead mines. Still another branch settled the sloughs around Emmetsburg about the time the last Dakota were being driven out.

Immigrants. Good and not so good. The Mulroney brothers were not a welcome sight to the existing indigenous people when Fort Dodge was still a fort.

It cannot be avoided. It’s who we are, a nation of immigrants determined to write a new story for ourselves: That we came by it all fair and square; we did not. That we earned it; we stole it. And now that we are in control, we would rather keep others out. Until we need the cheap labor. Continue reading Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.